Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Grand Rapids is 9% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,191/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 8%
$65,526/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 2%
$225,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 8%
$1,136/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 17%
197,768
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $1,192/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Grand Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Newport News — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Newport News?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Newport News?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $1,192/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Virginia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Newport News details →

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